KATHMANDU: On Monday afternoon, Pashupati Aryaghat hosted the state-honored funeral services for former Speaker Daman Nath Dhungana. In front of family, dignitaries, and officials, Dhungana, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 83, was cremated.

The funeral pyre was ignited by Dhungana's two sons, Nimesh and Nishesh, during the cremation.  The Nepali Army played somber music and gave a ceremonial salute. Dhungana was recognized by the state for his national services.

Dhungana passed away at 1:30 PM on Sunday while being treated at Baneshwar's Frontline Hospital. As a final act of respect, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli covered his departed body with the national flag at Sanogaucharan.

The deceased leader was honored at the burial by former President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, Maoist Center Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Unified Socialist Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal, and Janata Samajbadi Party Chairman Upendra Yadav.

In honor of Dhungana’s legacy, the council of ministers declared a nationwide public holiday on Monday to observe a day of mourning for the former speaker.